Global Urban Lectures s05e06: Carlos Zedillo – Good Housing Makes a Good City

The lecture seeks to highlight the impact of the housing sector on the development of cities and the attainment of the Sustainability Developments Goals (SDGs). It will also unveil the state of housing in Mexico and its opportunities and challenges for compliance with the 2030 Agenda.

Issues which the lecture addressesThe lecturer will argue that adequate housing and planning lead to “good” cities. Safe and a affordable housing for all with adequate basic services and the need to place housing as an integrating element of urban planning have been highlighted by both the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda as priority elements to achieve the sustainable development of countries. In Mexico the urban population will increase from 71.6% in 2010 to 83.2% in 2030, which will make urbanization one of the main transformative trends of the coming decades, posing enormous challenges and opportunities for sustainability in housing, infrastructure, basic services, social integration, among others.

Short analysis of the above issuesWe propose housing as the central and integrating element in the compliance of the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda as an integrated approach that incorporate the location of affordable, accessible, efficient, safe, resilient, well-connected and well-located housing, paying special attention to the proximity factor and the strengthening of the spatial relationship with the rest of the urban fabric and the nearby functional spheres.

Based on the City Prosperity Index (CPI) of UN-Habitat, the lecture seeks to establish indicators and monitoring mechanisms as guidelines and reference tools on the quality of housing and the urban environment in the cities of Mexico.

Propositions for addressing the issueThe main opportunities for housing to fully support the appropriate development of cities and the achievement of the SDGs are summarized in 5 cross-cutting themes to comprehensively attain greater alignment of the Infonavit initiatives with the 2030 Agenda:

Disaggregated data. Effective measurement and reliable statistics contribute significantly to the fulfillment of human rights, and therefore to that of the 2030 Agenda, as a mechanism to measure the implementation of civil, economic, political and social rights, and to support decision-making based on in the evidence.

Location and Densification. Housing must be conceived in a sustainable urban environment and in a close relationship with the city in which it is located. Therefore, it is essential to promote the provision and construction of housing in line with the policies of housing, urban development and territorial planning.

Suitable residential environments. The promotion of favorable residential environments in which all residents, regardless of their wealth, origin or gender, can access public services, basic infrastructure, public spaces and all kinds of benefits provided by cities.

Modalities of tenure and different types. The financing of credits for different types of tenure and the promotion of developments appropriate for different types of families and needs, make housing accessible to all socioeconomic groups.

Partnerships with local governments. It is essential the collaboration with multiple stakeholders, between different levels of government and government departments, development banks, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and the local community.

BIOGRAPHYArq. Zedillo studied Art and Architecture at Yale University, where he also studied his postgraduate studies. He worked in the studios of architects as Steven Harris and Enrique Norten, he was part of the transition team of the New Housing Policy and was Deputy Director General of Sustainability for Infonavit. Arq. Zedillo has taught at Yale University, the University of Pennsylvania and the Anahuac del Norte University. He has also been a visiting professor at Harvard University and the University of Michigan. He is currently the Head of the Research Center for Sustainable Development.